Four shipyards have submitted bids to build a series of up to six LNG carriers for Chinese buyers Sinopec and China Shipping Development Company.
Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Dalian Shipbuilding Industries, and Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) have been chosen to fight it out for the work to construct the 170,000-cbm ships, according to sources.
Rongsheng Heavy Industries is also understood to have made an offer although it is unclear whether the yard was among those pre-qualified to join the race.
The vessels are not required until 2016 but the partners, in co-operation with the Chinese shipbuilding authorities, are hoping to make a selection soon, particularly if a yard with no experience of LNG carrier construction is given the job, sources suggested.
Hudong-Zhonghua
